Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, comfort food, and a touch of heat, then Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup might just become your new favorite dish. Inspired by the popular Italian-American restaurant chain Carrabba’s, this spicy, hearty soup is not only easy to make, but it also packs a punch in terms of flavor. It’s one of those recipes that balances spice with savory goodness in a way that makes it hard to stop eating. Whether you’re craving something warming for a chilly evening or just want to enjoy a delicious bowl of soup packed with ingredients you can feel good about, this recipe has you covered.

What makes Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup so special? The combination of tender chicken, robust vegetables, and a bold kick from the spices and broth makes this soup a comforting yet vibrant dish. And the best part? You can make it at home, enjoying the same delicious experience in the comfort of your kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe, step-by-step, so you can recreate this delightful soup!

Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe

Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is an irresistible blend of chicken, vegetables, and a spicy kick, all simmered together in a savory broth. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and heat, making it the ideal soup for any occasion. This recipe is simple, yet packs an extraordinary flavor punch with just the right amount of spice to make it stand out.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get started with the cooking instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. You’ll find that many of these are staple items in most kitchens, but the combination of flavors creates something truly exceptional.

• Chicken Breast (Boneless & Skinless): The foundation of the soup. You’ll want fresh chicken breast, as it cooks quickly and provides that juicy, tender texture.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing your vegetables and adding richness to the broth.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a nice sweetness that balances the heat from the spices.
• Red Bell Pepper: Gives the soup a colorful pop and a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the heat.
• Carrots: Adds crunch, sweetness, and a bit of earthiness to the mix.
• Celery: The classic addition to many soups, celery brings freshness and a slight herbal note.
• Garlic: For depth and richness. You’ll sauté it with the veggies to release its natural oils and flavor.
• Tomatoes (Crushed): These form the base of the broth, giving it a rich, hearty consistency.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid foundation that pulls everything together and creates a cozy, warming base for the soup.
• Cayenne Pepper: The key ingredient for that spicy kick! Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds an extra layer of heat and a touch of texture.
• Italian Seasoning: A well-balanced mix of dried herbs that enhance the Italian flavors in the soup.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, allowing the natural flavors to shine.
• Parsley (Fresh): A garnish that adds a burst of freshness at the end.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): A sprinkle of this brings in a creamy, salty finish that takes the soup to the next level.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s get cooking! This recipe is easy to follow, and you’ll have a hot, flavorful soup in no time.

1. Prep The Chicken

   • Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly in the soup.

2. Sauté Vegetables

   • Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, carrots, and celery.
   • Stir occasionally, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so be sure not to let it brown.

3. Cook The Chicken

   • Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside (about 5-7 minutes). Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through yet – it’ll finish cooking in the broth.

4. Add The Broth & Tomatoes

   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any brown bits left by the chicken and vegetables. This adds great flavor!

5. Season The Soup

   • Add in your cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go, adjusting the heat and seasoning to your liking.
   • Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Finish & Serve

   • Once the soup has simmered to perfection, taste again for seasoning adjustments.
   • Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role each ingredient plays in this soup can really elevate your cooking experience and help you make adjustments for your preferences.

• Chicken: The star of the dish, providing both texture and substance. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, which will add a richer flavor.
• Olive Oil: It’s not just for cooking-it enhances the flavor of the vegetables and creates a nice base for the soup.
• Cayenne Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes: These two ingredients work together to give the soup its signature heat. Cayenne offers a sharper, more direct spice, while red pepper flakes bring a more nuanced, smoky heat.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes create a hearty, rich base that balances the spiciness while adding a subtle sweetness to the soup.

Expert Tips

• Control the Heat: If you’re not a fan of extremely spicy dishes, feel free to reduce the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. Start with half the suggested amounts, then taste and adjust as you go.
• Add More Veggies: This recipe is quite flexible. You can sneak in extra vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach to make the soup even heartier.
• Leftover Chicken: This soup is a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. Just shred the chicken and add it to the broth, reducing the cooking time significantly.
• Slow Cooker Option: If you’re short on time, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Just add all your ingredients (except the parsley and Parmesan) and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this soup is how easy it is to tweak based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Spicy Sausage Soup: Swap out the chicken for Italian sausage (either mild or spicy, depending on your taste).
• Vegetarian Version: Leave out the chicken and add extra veggies like potatoes, green beans, or kale. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Creamy Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a creamy twist.

Final Words

Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is the perfect dish when you want something comforting but with a bit of an edge. The balance of chicken, veggies, and spice makes it a hearty, filling soup that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.